The Christian Counseling Certificate (CCC) program is the newest of the special Certificates that can be earned while taking a Master’s degree. The goal is to equip Christian men and women to become effective people helpers and counselors. The curriculum is built on a Christian worldview and presupposes the authority of the Bible. Believing that all truth is God’s truth, the CCC incorporates the best of psychology in training students in order to bring health and Christian wholeness to those suffering in emotional and psychological distress.
Cebu Graduate School of Theology has been training amazing servant leaders for 27 years (since 1988). CGST is the graduate school of Baptist Theological College with the vision to equip men and women for effective Christian ministry wherever God calls them to serve. BTC/CGST has strong programs in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership, Christian Education, and TESOL. The Christian Counseling Certificate program adds another needed dimension to those training programs. All BTC/CGST ministry training programs are recognized by the Office of the President of the Philippines, Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Professor Dr. Josefa “Jiji” Harner has had extensive training and counseling practice both in North America and Asia.
CERTIFICATE COMPONENTS
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5 counseling subjects
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10 sessions of personal counseling
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120 hours of supervised counseling practicum
REQUIRED SUBJECTS FOR CCC
Principles & Methods of Counseling. This is a study of effective counseling processes, considering various counseling theories & techniques, and experiencing a 12-Step group.
Theories of Personality & Human Development. This subject studies human development using a psychosocial approach. Students learn how personality and pathologies are developed.
Crisis Counseling. This subject deals with models of crisis intervention based on a psycho-bio-spiritual approach and developing appropriate crisis intervention.
Common Counseling Issues. Students explore interpersonal issues, addictive behaviors, OFW-related issues, anxiety- and mood-related disorders, problems related to mind and body, life-span problems, and challenges accompanying Filipino cultural values. Students develop a biblical and practical framework to understand an individual’s problem with appropriate counseling interventions. Students engage in a group process to relate the topics discussed to personal life experience.
Counseling Practice & Supervision. Students will apply counseling models in real-life counseling, using appropriate skills and techniques. Supervision is provided to ensure the effective and ethical practice of Christian counseling.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. Strong Christian testimony
2. Active in an evangelical church
3. Recommendation from your church
4. Bachelor’s degree graduate
5. Adequate English language ability
Student Review
Because counseling is an interpersonal process with considerable influence & power, continued enrollment in the program is also predicated upon the student maintaining:
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an appropriate level of social & emotional maturity (e.g., good relational health, dependability, realistic self-awareness).
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the ability to communicate effectively (e.g., empathy, affect regulation, attainment of counseling skills).
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appropriate ministerial attitudes & behaviors (e.g., maintenance of appropriate boundaries, adherence to ethical standards, accepting of constructive feedback).
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and other personal attributes (e.g., spiritual & psychological growth) believed by the faculty to be necessary for success in the counseling ministry.
Significant concerns in any of these areas may result in the following: a remediation plan requiring completion within a specified timeframe, or dismissal from the program.